Dirty Stock

DEFINITION of 'Dirty Stock'

Stock that is not granted a good delivery status due to missing or incorrect transfer documentation or endorsements. Dirty stock will usually disrupt the transaction process.

BREAKING DOWN 'Dirty Stock'

When stock is exchanged, various legal forms and endorsements are required to transfer the ownership title from the seller to the buyer. When the documentation is not properly handled, the stock will be labeled as dirty. A stock must attain good delivery status before the transfer is complete.